A parliamentary body yesterday asked the shipping ministry to prepare a detailed work plan to carry out government's massive plan of dredging in country's major rivers.
The parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry also asked the ministry to form an inter-ministerial committee to fix prices of dredgers which are under process for procurement.
“The government's massive plan to dredge country's major rivers is likely to start from this winter.” Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury, chief of the committee, said.
“There are about 10 dredgers at present in government's possession. Besides, the government is set to procure another 12 to 15 dredgers by next one or two years,” he told reporters after a meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
“We have asked the ministry to prepare the detailed dredging plan, specially the timeframe as to when the dredging will be carried out in which river,” Noor-e-Alam, also a ruling Awami League lawmaker, said.
He also informed reporters that Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Water Development Board have already floated tenders for purchasing two dredgers for each.
On fixing price of dredger, Noor-e-Alam said, an inter-ministerial committee will be formed headed by the secretary of shipping ministry to fix prices.
“The committee was also asked to hold three meetings in three months to monitor the overall activities of dredger procurement and dredging,” said the committee head.
The standing committee yesterday invited private dredging associations who have expressed their interest to engage in river dredging activities, he said.
There are about 11 big dredgers in their [private companies] possessions and they will purchase another 10 within three to four months, Noor-e-Alam added.
On the recent unrest at the Chittagong Sea Port, the House watchdog asked the ministry to investigate the issue and find out people responsible for the untoward situation.